Effect of pulse electromagnetic coupling treatment on thermal conductivity of WC-8Co cemented carbide

In this study, investigations were conducted focusing on the WC-8Co cemented carbide. A dry turning test of TC4 titanium alloy with WC-8Co cemented carbide tool treated by pulsed electromagnetic coupling treatment (PEMCT) was conducted. Tool wear was observed and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The thermal conductivity of WC-8Co cemented carbide before and after the PEMCT was measured using Hotdisk thermal conduc-tivity analyzer. The finite element software, DEFORM, was used to simulate the cutting process, and the stable cutting temperature range was obtained. The high-temperature oxidation test was conducted in a muffle furnace to study the effect of the PEMCT on the oxidation resistance of WC-8Co cemented carbide. This study obtained the effect of the PEMCT on the thermal conductivity of tungsten cobalt cemented carbide. The results show that the PEMCT can reduce the adhesive, diffusion, and oxidation wear of the tools, thus, improving the wear resistance and service life of the tools. The PEMCT improves the thermal conductivity and diffusivity of WC-8Co cemented carbide. Moreover, the oxidation resistance of WC-8Co cemented carbide in high-temperature conditions can be improved.